The City of Laguna Beach is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Animal Shelter Manager (Classification is Kennel Manager) to lead the daily operations of our Animal Shelter. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare and public safety while overseeing a talented team of staff and volunteers. The Animal Shelter Manager is responsible for ensuring the humane care, treatment, and placement of all animals, maintaining a safe and legally compliant facility, and fostering strong partnerships with veterinarians, community organizations, and residents. This position combines leadership, hands-on animal care, and community engagement to promote responsible pet ownership and enhance the City’s animal services programs.
Please note: While the current classification is Kennel Manager, the position will be listed with the working title “Animal Shelter Manager”. As part of the City’s Classification and Compensation Study, is anticipated to be updated. Changes may include reclassification and retitle to Animal Shelter Manager, and moving the position to the Police and Fire Management Association.
What You’ll Be Great At:
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Leading and inspiring staff and volunteers to provide exceptional animal care.
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Managing daily shelter operations, including intake, medical care, and adoptions.
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Ensuring a safe, clean, and compliant facility.
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Engaging the community through outreach, education, and animal welfare programs.
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Overseeing budgets, supplies, and vendor partnerships.
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Making thoughtful decisions and responding to emergencies with professionalism.
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Using technology and social media to promote adoptions and share shelter stories.
Apply now to be part of the first review! Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with the next review on June 30, 2026.
Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Education:
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Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.
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An Associate’s degree in animal science, veterinary technology, animal husbandry, business or public administration, or a related field is highly desirable; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
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Coursework or certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Animal Shelter Management certification is desirable.
Experience:
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Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the care, handling, and treatment of domestic animals in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or related facility, including experience with animal intake, health monitoring, and adoption programs; and
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At least two (2) years of supervisory experience overseeing staff and/or volunteers in an animal care or shelter environment.
License/Certificate Requirements:
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Possession of a valid driver’s license at the time of appointment.
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Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire, certification in euthanasia by injection.
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Certification or training in animal shelter management, chemical immobilization, or similar fields is desirable.
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications.
The position is subject to being on-call for natural disasters and other emergency incidents that might require the evacuation of the animal shelter and the transportation of the animals to alternative locations.
Application Process: All interested applicants must submit a completed online city application. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis with the next review on June 30, 2026. Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. Additional job-related skills testing may be used to assess an applicant's ability to perform successfully in this position. All those candidates passing each exam component will be placed on an employment eligibility list. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City.
Pre-employment Process: A candidate selected for this position must successfully a complete police background investigation including a fingerprint check and polygraph examination, a thorough reference check/employment verification, and a pre-employment medical exam including a drug test.
Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, alternative work schedules, wellness programs and more! The?City?has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA.
The proposed salary range of $100,900 – $141,200 is subject to City Council approval.